Gustav Nyquist set to join Griffins after forgoing senior season at Maine

Courtesy PhotoGustav Nyquist had 18 goals and 33 assists for Maine this season after leading the nation in scoring last year.

The Grand Rapids Griffins should be getting an intriguing reinforcement for their two-game set in Texas this weekend.

University of Maine junior forward Gustav Nyquist was signed to an amateur tryout Friday, and is scheduled to join the Griffins in time for Friday night’s game against the Stars.

Nyquist, 21, then will give up his senior season after signing an entry level deal with the Detroit Red Wings. He likely will spend next season in Grand Rapids.

The Halmstad, Sweden native was the 121st overall pick in the 2008 NHL draft by Detroit. He led Maine in scoring this past season with 18 goals and 33 assists in 36 games, including 11 goals in his last 12 games.

Last season, he led the nation in scoring with 61 points (19 goals, 42 assists). He also has been a Hobey Baker Award finalist each of the past two seasons.

The Griffins will welcome the scoring punch, with Jan Mursak in Detroit and Jamie Johnson suspended for Friday’s game.